Power bass ASA SERIES User manual

ASA SERIES CLASS AB MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIER
Owners Manual
Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with your new amplifier. Should your PowerBass AutoSound mobile amplifier
ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt.
ASA3-400.1
ASA3-600.1
2-OHM STABLE DESIGN
Minimum Impedance Load is 2-Ohms

Thank you and Congratulations
Thank you for your decision to purchase a PowerBass USA Autosound mobile amplifier! Our Autosound
amplifiers are the result of extensive engineering, testing, and bullet proof construction. Their versatility
enables compatibility with optional signal and audio processors. These high quality MOSFET amplifiers
may be configured to allow maximum flexibility in designing different subwoofer options.
CLASS AB Mono Block AMPLIFIERS
Unlike most Full Range amplifiers these models are equipped with a Low Pass Filter control (LPF) that
when engaged is intended only to power subwoofer(s). It is important that you closely follow the wiring
instructions contained in this Owners Manual so that you get the most from your PowerBass AutoSound
A/B Class Mono Block mobile amplifier.
∆Caution ∆
High powered audio systems in a vehicle are capable of generating higher then “Live Concert” levels of sound pressure. Continued
exposure to excessively high volume sound levels will cause hearing loss or damage. Also, operation of a motor vehicle while listening
to audio equipment at high volume levels may impair your ability to hear external sounds such as horns, warning signals, or emergency
vehicles—thus creating a potential traffic hazard. In the interest of safety, PowerBass USA highly recommends listening at lower volume
levels when driving.

TECHNICAL FEATURES
• Mono Block Amplifier for Full Range or Subwoofer Only Applications
• MOSFET Power Supplies for High Power Output and Unprecedented Stability into Low Impedance
Loads
• Soft Delay Remote Turn On/Off Circuit to Eliminating Pops and Clicks
• Built-in Fully Adjustable Electronic Low Pass (LPF) Crossover Network
• Built-in Fully Adjustable Bass Equalization
• Self Diagnostic Protection Circuit with LED Status Indicator for Impedance Over-load, Speaker Short
Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output.
• 2-ohm Stable Operation (Minimum)
• Variable Gain Control
• Pass Thru Line Output Jacks
• Remote Level Control (Included)
INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE
Installation of PowerBass mobile amplifiers requires detailed knowledge of electronics wiring and proper
speaker impedance. We strongly recommend installation by an authorized PowerBass dealer. This Own-
ers Manual only provides general installation and operation instructions. If you have any reservations
about your installation skills, please contact your local PowerBass dealer for assistance.
IMPORTANT : This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12-volt Negative ground
electrical systems only.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for basic installation
• An electric drill with bits
• Philips head and standard screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Crimping tool
• VOM (electronic volt ohm meter)
• Heat shrink tubing and heat gun
• Soldering iron
• Electronic (Rosen Core not Acid Core) Solder
3

INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Proceed only if you are a qualified installer, otherwise; see your Authorized PowerBass Dealer to
professionally install this amplifier. Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Turn off all electrical devices before you begin.
• Disconnect the negative (-) lead from your vehicles battery.
• Locate all fuel lines, brake lines, oil lines, and electrical cables when planning the install.
• Make sure there is at least 2-inches (5 cm) around the air vents on the amplifier.
• When connecting ground points, make sure all paint is carefully scrapped away from the auto body
and contact is make with bare metal.
• Use a utility knife to trim away fabric from hole locations before drilling or cutting.
• When running power cables through sheet metal, be sure to use grommets to properly insulate the
metal edges from the wire insulation.
• If possible, use tubing through grommets.
Due to the high power output of our PowerBass Autosound amplifiers, considerable heat may be
produced when the unit is in operation. For this reason the amplifier should be mounted in a location
which will allow air to circulate freely. A clearance of at least 2-inches (5 cm) to all sides of the amplifier
is necessary not only for proper cooling, but also for gaining access to the inputs and other variable
controls. Be sure that the power and signal cable connections can enter and leave the amplifier in a
straight line to avoid the risk of kinked wires causing malfunction.
Fig.1 Mounting Amplifier
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER

MOUNTING LOCATION
Find a clear and well ventilated area to mount your amplifier that is unobstructed by any objects that will cause
harm or block ventilation. Do not mount under a carpet or in an area with no air circulation. You may use the
amplifier as a template and mark the four screw locations with a felt tip pen. Use caution to make sure there
are no objects behind the installation surface that may become damaged during drilling.
You may use the amplifier as a template and mark the four screw locations with a felt tip pen. Set the amplifier
aside before drilling. Use caution to make sure there are no objects behind the installation surface that may
become damaged during drilling.
If mounting under a seat, make sure there is at least 1-inch (2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier’s heatsink
to permit proper cooling.
The amplifier should be protected from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. The best places to mount
your amplifier are: The floor of the trunk, under the driver’s seat, or on the back of the rear seat. For alternate
installation locations, please consult your authorized PowerBass Dealer.
*** WARNING ***
• Upside down mounting will compromise heat dissipation through the heatsink and
could engage the thermal protection circuit.
• Try to avoid mounting the amplifier on a subwoofer enclosure, as extended exposure
to vibration may cause malfunction of the amplifier.
• Don’t mount the amplifier so that the wire connections are unprotected or are sub-
ject to pinching or damage from nearby objects.
• The DC power wire must be fused at the battery positive (+) terminal connection.
Before making or breaking power connections at the amplifier power terminals,
disconnect the DC power wire at the battery end.
• The battery of the car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring and
installation is completed.
5
NOTE: Do not use a drill with driver bit to mount the amplifier. Excessive force could
cause the plastic mounting feet to crack.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT
1. Line INPUT (RCA) Jacks
These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level outputs. A source unit
with a minimum output of 200mV is required for proper operation. However, this input will accept levels up
to 6Vrms.
2. Line OUTPUT (RCA) Jacks
RCA style pass through output jacks allow for a signal to be sent to other amplifiers in a daisy-chain
configuration. Only one Remote Bass Control can be used when multiple bass amplifiers are connected.
3. GAIN Control
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit that you are
using up to 6 volts.
Fig.2 Panel Layout

4. X-OVER Switch
When switched to LPF this control engages the units Low Pass electronic crossover circuitry. The LPF setting
should be selected with using this as a bass amp only for the subwoofer(s). The FULL position defeats the
crossover and allows the full range of frequencies present at the inputs to feed the amplifier.
5. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control
This filter allows low pass of frequency and is adjustable from 40Hz through 250Hz to eliminate unwanted
high frequencies.
6. BASS EQ Control
This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicle’s interior. With up to
18dB of boost centered at 45Hz, the BASS EQ can be adjusted to meet your own personal taste.
7. REMOTE Gain (RJ45 Jack)
This is the connector port for the Remote Level Control. Now the amplifiers secondary gain circuit can be
adjusted from the driver’s seat.
8. BADGE Switch
Controls the lighting of the top mounted PowerBass logo badge.
9. POWER/STATUS Indicator
The BLUE L.E.D. lights up when the power is on. This L.E.D. turns RED constantly or flashes when the built-in
protection circuitry is activated. This indicates a problem with the system in relation to the amplifier (see
Troubleshooting Tips).
10. SPEAKER Output Terminals
As shown in the wiring diagrams, be sure to observe speaker polarity through the system and speaker imped-
ance. This specially tooled terminal is designed to accommodate up to 10 gauge speaker wire.
11. FUSES
For convenience most PowerBass AutoSound amplifiers utilize common automotive ATC type fuses. For
continued protection in the event that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same value.
CAUTION: These power fuses on the amplifier chassis are for protecting the amp against over-
drive. To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse should be used within 18-inch-
es (45cm) of the battery on the 12V+ cable.
ASA3-400.1 20A x 2
ASA3-600.1 40A x 2
7

12. BATT+ (Power Input Connection)
This terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive (+)
terminal of the car battery. This solderless terminal accepts up to 2 gauge wire (see Power Cable
Selection Chart for recommended wire gauges).
13. REM (Remote Input Connection)
All PowerBass AutoSound amplifiers can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. This can be
found on the rear of the source unit in the form of an electric antenna output, or a remote output. If this is
not available you can wire to the ACC position on the key. An 18 gauge wire is sufficient to run the REMOTE.
14. GND (Ground Input Connection)
A good quality ground is required for your PowerBass AutoSound amplifier to operate at peak performance.
A short length of cable, no longer then 36-inches (90cm) of the same gauge as your power cable should be
used to attach the ground terminal directly to the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that all of the paint is
sanded or scraped away to ensure a quality ground connection.
*** WARNING ***
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before you start any wiring work! The battery of your
car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring installation is completed.
Your PowerBass Autosound amp will draw large levels of current, so use the largest gauge power/ground
cable as possible. Using under sized power cable can result in unnecessary over-heating of the amplifier,
distortion at high volume levels and might even cause the thermal protection circuitry to shut-off the ampli-
fier.
• Use rubber grommets when running cables through any metal or sharp plastic, to prevent accidental
shorting or shearing. Make sure the cables do not interfere with normal operation of the vehicle.
• The audio signal cables (RCA interconnects) should be kept far away from any potential sources of
electrical interference such as electronic vehicle management systems (relays, engine computers wir-
ing harnesses, fuel pumps etc.)
POWER WIRING AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS

This amplifier is designed to work within a 9 to 17 volt DC range. Before any wires are connected, the
vehicles electrical system should be checked for correct voltage supply with the help of a voltmeter.
First, check the voltage at the battery with the ignition in the OFF position. The voltmeter should read no
less than 12V. If your vehicles electrical system is not up to these specifications, we recommend having it
checked by an auto electrician before any further installation. Once the vehicle is checked, make certain the
correct cable gauge is used. We recommend using as large a gauge cable as possible, use the Power Cable
Selection Chart to calculate the correct power wire size for your application.
BATT+ (Power)
This amplifier should be wired directly to the vehicle battery using the appropriate size cable. Start at the
vehicle battery and run the power cable through to the amplifier. Avoid running the power cable over engine
components and near heater cores. The use of an inline fuse or circuit breaker is a must; this will
prevent the risk of a potential fire caused by a short in your power cable. Connect the fuse holder or circuit
breaker as close to the battery positive (+) terminal as possible (no farther then 18” from that battery). This
fuse or circuit breaker should be no greater then the sum of the fuses found on the chassis of your amplifier
(also see specifications chart). You may now connect the cable to the battery, but remember to leave the fuse
out or circuit breaker “off” until all other cable connections are made.
Fig.3 Power Input Connection
9

GND (Ground)
When grounding your amplifier, locate a metal area close to the amplifier that is good source of ground
(preferable the floor pan). Once again, investigate the area you wish to use for electrical wires, vacuum lines,
and brake or fuel lines. Use either a wire brush or sandpaper to eliminate unwanted paint for better contact
of the ground.
Secure the ground cable to the body using a bolt, star washer and nut. Spread silicon over the screw and
bare metal to prevent rust and possible water leaks.
Now it’s time to connect the power and ground cables to the amplifier. Cut both cables to length.
Strip off 1/2 inch (12mm) of the insulation so that the bare wire fits all the way in the terminal block on the
side panel of the amplifier, seating it firmly so no bare wire is exposed. Use a Philips screwdriver to loosen
the BATT+ and the GND connections on the amplifier. Insert the ground first, and then the +12V and please
make sure that you place them into the correctly marked terminals. Then tighten the screws down securely.
REM (Remote Trigger)
This terminal must be connected to a switched +12V source. Typically, remote turn-on leads are provided at
the source unit that will turn on and off the amplifier in correspondence with the source. If the unit does not
have a remote turn-on head, then a switched +12V supply must be used, like the ACC, +12V.
Run a minimum of 18 gauge wire from the amplifier location to the source of the switched +12V lead. If
possible, route this wire on the same side of the vehicle as your power cable. Connect the source remote
output to the wire. Go back to the amplifier and cut the wire to length. Loosen the screw terminal marked REM
on the amplifier. Insert the stripped (bare) portion of the wire into the terminal and tighten the screw securely.
Fig.4 A good ground is essential to proper operation

FUSE REQUIREMENTS
While the panel on your PowerBass amplifier incorporates one or more fuses, these do nothing to protect
the vehicle from a dangerous short circuit. It is absolutely vital that the main power lead to the amplifier(s)
in the system be fused within 18-inches (45cm) of the connection to the vehicle battery. The value of this
fuse (or circuit breaker) should be no greater than the sum of the fuses found on all of the equipment being
connected to that power wire.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that a hand driver and NOT a power drill is used to
tighten the set screws on the terminal blocks. This will prevent stripping or other possible
damage to the amplifier.
11

RCA INTERCONNECT WIRING
Fig.5 Low Level Input using RCA
You may run a stereo or mono signal into the INPUT of the amplifier. The amplifiers input section automati-
cally sums stereo signals to mono for the internal amplifier section. If a mono input is to be run, a “Y”
adapter (not included) is recommended to split the mono signal into both of the RCA style INPUT jacks on the
amplifier.
Choose the correct length and style of RCA interconnects for your needs. Always use high quality RCA audio
cables (not supplied) for signal connections—those with multiple layers of shielding or a twisted pair variety
for better noise rejection.
Be extra careful when routing your RCA audio interconnect cables. Car environments are notorious for poorly
insulated wires. This means that hiss, engine noise, and fan noise can easily be picked up through RCA
cables if run incorrectly.
BATT+ REMG NDSUB FUSE
20A 20A
L
INPUT OUTPUT
R
L
R
GAIN LPFB ASS EQ
BADGE
MINM AX 40HZ 250HZ 0dB1 8dB
FULL LPF
REMOTE LEVEL
X-OVER
OFF ON
POWER/
STATUS
SWITCH POSITION
RCA OUTPUTS
POWER REMOTE ANT
CAR RADIO
GND
DC 14.4V
BATTERY
GND
–
+
WOOFER
2-4 Ohm
+–

Make sure that the cables for power and audio signal are not on the same side of the vehicle and that they
do no cross each other; this will help reduce any noise that may radiate from the power cable and the signal
cable. If an audio cable is too close to a power cable, it may pick up the magnetic field generated by the power
cable, which could lead to a loss of quality in your signal.
Important – if you plan to use the OUTPUT jacks to feed a stereo amplifier you must connect a stereo signal
to the INPUT jacks of the amplifier.
This control allows you to match the input level of the amplifier to the output level of your head unit. Matching
the input can be accomplished in four simple steps:
1. Make sure that the remote level control is not plugged in until after the master gain control is set.
2. Set the GAIN control on the amplifier to Min (completely counter clock wise).
3. Turn on the head unit and adjust volume to 2/3 maximum, and set the BASS and TREBLE to zero.
4. Adjust the GAIN control clockwise until the sound just begins to distort, then back off slightly to cut
distortion and operate at optimum gain.
Remember, the GAIN control is not a volume control. Ignoring these steps above may leave you with dam-
aged speaker and/or a damaged amplifier.
LPF (Low Pass Filter) Adjustment
The crossover frequency adjustment filters out frequencies that you don’t want your speaker(s) to reproduce.
Using the LPF control, adjust the Low Pass Frequency to limit the amount of mid range you want going to your
woofer(s). Since musical tastes vary, adjust the crossover by ear while listening to the music of your choice.
Be sure to set the tone controls of your source unit to flat before adjusting the crossover.
SET UP ADJUSTMENTS
Input GAIN Adjustment
Fig.6 GAIN Control
Fig.7 Low Pass Control
40Hz 250Hz
GAIN
MINMAX
13

BASS EQ Adjustment
This special feature is designed to provide you more powerful sound quality, and it allows you to increase bass
output up to +18dB. Keep in mind that more is not always better. Setting the control to the max (18dB) will
stress the amplifier and the speakers and could result in damage. (NOTE: Plugging in the remote Bass Control
overrides this setting.)
REMOTE LEVEL Controller Connection
Your PowerBass Autosound amp includes a Remote Gain control module. It uses standard telephone wire and
telephone RJ45 connectors. To connect the Remote Gain control to the amplifier, simply insert one end of the
telephone plug into the REMOTE port on the side panel. Plug the other end into the remote module. Install the
module within easy reach on or under your dash.
SPEAKER WIRING AND CONFIGURATIONS
Speaker Load
Keep in mind your PowerBass Autosound amp is a high power amplifier and not a high current amplifier.
In other words it requires a minimum impedance of 2 ohms. If you are unsure of calculating impedance
loads please consult your Authorized PowerBass Autosound Dealer before damaging your amplifier.
Too low of an impedance could send your amplifier into protection mode and/or damage the amplifier.
NOTE: Know your impedance load before connecting speakers.
Fig.8 Bass EQ Control
0dB+18 dB
Fig.9 Connection with RJ45 Jack

Speaker Wiring
Choose the correct speaker wire for your application. We recommend a minimum of 16 gauge quality wire.
Route these using the same precautions as you did when you ran the power cable. Terminate these wires at the
speaker end using insulated speaker terminals (not supplied) or by soldering the connection to the speaker. Be
certain to maintain correct polarity throughout the system. Make sure the speaker connections are positive-
to-positive and negative-to-negative. Most speaker wire has some indicator (color code, ribbing, or printing) on
one of the two wires to help you distinguish the positive (+) and negative (-) leads.
At the amplifier end, insert the stripped (bare) speaker wires into the properly marked terminals. Use a Phil-
lips screw driver to loosen the speaker terminals on the amplifier. Make certain that no bare wire ends touch
each other. Such contact could result in an electrical short and cause the amplifier to turn off (short circuit
protection) or malfunction.
Fig.10 A Single Voice Coil Subwoofer (2~4 ohm)
Speaker Output Configurations
1. A SINGLE VOICE COIL SUBWOOFER SPEAKER
15

Fig.11 Two 4 ohm Subwoofers with Single Voice Coil
2. TWO SINGLE VOICE COIL SUBWOOFER SPEAKERS
(Note: Don’t connect speaker impedance under 2 ohms)
3. ONE DUAL VOICE COIL SUBWOOFER SPEAKERS
(Note: Don’t connect speaker impedance under 2 ohm)
Fig.12 One 4 ohm Subwoofer with Dual Voice Coil
2-OHM STABLE DESIGN Minimum Impedance Load is 2-Ohms
Maintaining proper impedance is critical when wiring the Class A/B mono amplifiers. Improper wiring can cause
severe damage to BOTH the woofer and the amplifier. Detailed wiring diagrams are supplied with all PowerBass
woofers. IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED OR UNCOMFORTABLE READING THE WIRING DIAGRAMS CONSULT
YOUR AUTHORIZED POWERBASS DEALER BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO WIRE THE SYSTEM.

RECOMMENDED WIRE SIZES
Power Cable Selection Chart
Fuse Total 4Ft 4-7Ft 7-10Ft 10-13Ft 13-16 Ft 16-19 Ft 19-22 Ft
In Amperes Length of Wire/Gauge
150A - 200A 2 GA 2 GA 2 GA *1/0* *1/0* *1/0* *1/0*
125A - 150A 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 2 GA 2 GA 2 GA
105A - 125A 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 2 GA
85A - 105A 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA
65A - 85A 10 GA 8 GA 8 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA
40A - 65A 10 GA 10 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 4 GA 4 GA
< 40A 10 GA 10 GA 10 GA 10 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA
PowerBass makes several types of amplifier wiring kits to assist with your installation. Consult your local
PowerBass dealer for details. For more information about recommended power wire check out our website at
www.powerbassusa.com.
PERSONAL NOTES:
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Date Purchased: ______________________________________________________
Dealer: _____________________________________________________________
Installed By: _________________________________________________________
Model: _____________________________________________________________
Serial Number: ______________________________________________________
Miscellaneous: ______________________________________________________
This manual is the exclusive property of PowerBass USA, Inc. Any reproduction of this manual, or use other than its intentions
is strictly prohibited without the express consent of PowerBass USA, Inc. © Copyright 2014 PowerBass USA, Inc.
17

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Problem Solution
Power LED not ON With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check:
• +12 Volt power terminal (should read +12 to +16VDC
• Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12 to
+16VDC)
• Ground Terminal
Power LED lights BLUE, no output • Check RCA connections
• Test speaker outputs with known good speaker
• Substitute known good Source Unit
• Check for signal on the RCA cable with VOM in AC
position
Red Status Protection LED is ON, no
output and
1. Amp is VERY HOT
2. Amp shuts down ONLY when the
vehicle is running
3. Amp plays at very low volume
• Thermal protection is engaged. Check for proper
impedance at speaker terminals. Also check for
adequate air flow around the amplifier.
• Voltage protection engaged. Voltage to the amp is
not within the 9-17 VDC operating range. Have the
battery/charging system inspected.
• Short circuit protection is engaged.Check for speaker
wires shorted to each other or the vehicle chassis.
Speakers operating below the minimum impedance
an cause this to occur.
Alternator noise (varies with RPM) • Check for damaged RCA cable.
• Check routing of RCA cable
• Check Source Unit for good ground
• Check amp gain setting, turn down if set too high
Poor Bass Response • Check speaker polarity, reverse the connection of one
speaker only.
NOTE: If the Status L.E.D. is activated and glows RED with no speakers connected to the amplifier, and all the
power connections are correct, this would indicate an internal problem with the amplifier. Contact PowerBass
USA or your local dealer.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR AUTOSOUND AB MONO AMPLIFIERS
PowerBass Autosound Class AB
Mono Block Models
ASA3-400.1 ASA3-600.1
Power Output @ 14.4 VDC Input
4 Ohms RMS at THD 0.5% 200W x 1 300W x 1
2 Ohms RMS at THD 0.5% 400W x 1 600W x 1
2 Ohms Max OUTPUT 800W 1200W
Signal to Noise Ratio > 94dB
Frequency Response 20 Hz ~ 22,000 Hz ± 1dB
Crossover
Low Pass Filter 40Hz ~ 250 Hz
Crossover Slope 12dB Octave
Bass EQ at 45Hz 0 ~ 18 dB
Input Gain Control 0.2V ~ 6.0V
Low Level Input Impedance 22K Ohms
Damping Factor >150 into 4 Ohms
Fuse Rating/ ATC Style 2 x 20A 2 x 40A
Dimensions
Width (W) x 8.3” (210 mm)
Height (H) x 2.3” (58 mm)
Length (L) mm 13.7” (348 mm) 16.8” (428 mm)
Important Notes:
• Due to continuing improvements these specifications are subject to change without any
notice.
• Do not attempt to fix or repair this unit. Unauthorized repairs will void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
19

NOTES